Parent Resident Visa

The Parent Resident Visa uses a two-stage selection system. You first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)—a formal notification that you would like to apply—which enters a randomized ballot. If your EOI is selected from the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to submit your full residency application.

Step 1: Check Sponsor Eligibility

Before you spend money on an EOI, your child (the sponsor) must ensure they meet the strict financial and residency requirements.

• Residency: Your sponsor must have been a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 3 years.
• Physical Presence: They must have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand during each of those 3 years.
• Income: They must meet the income threshold based on the New Zealand median wage ($69,804.80). For one parent and one sponsor, the required income is $104,707.30. This must be proven with Inland Revenue (IRD) tax statements for two 12-month periods within the three years before your EOI is selected.

Step 2: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)

You can submit your EOI online via the Immigration New Zealand portal or via a paper form. At this stage, you do not need to provide all your supporting documents, but you must be honest about your health, character, and your sponsor's income.

• The Ballot: Your EOI enters a pool. Draws take place on the second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November.
• Validity: Your EOI remains in the pool for 2 years. If it is not selected within that timeframe, it expires and you must resubmit.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is drawn from the ballot, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will send you an ITA. This is the "green light" to submit your formal residency application. You have exactly 4 months from the date of the invitation to submit all required documents and fees.

Step 4: Gather and Submit Documents

Once you have your ITA, you must compile your evidence. All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.

• Identity: Your passport and two recent photos.
• Relationship: Your full birth certificate and your child’s birth certificate to prove the relationship.
• Sponsorship Form: Your child must complete the INZ 1024 Sponsorship Form.
• Health and Character: You must provide a medical certificate (less than 3 months old) and police certificates from your home country (less than 6 months old).
• English Language: You must show you meet English requirements or agree to "pre-purchase" English lessons (ESOL tuition) to be taken once you arrive in New Zealand.

Step 5: Visa Decision

INZ will assess your application. If approved, you will be issued an eVisa (an electronic visa). This grants you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. Your sponsor remains legally responsible for your accommodation and well-being for the first 10 years.

Item	Cost
Expression of Interest (EOI) Fee	NZD $450
Resident Visa Application Fee	NZD $5,360
Total Estimated Government Fees	NZD $5,810

Note: These fees do not include the cost of medical examinations, police certificates, document translations, or the English language tuition fee (which can range from NZD $1,735 to $6,795 if you do not meet the English speaking requirements).

The timeline for this visa depends heavily on the randomized ballot.

• Selection Stage: This can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years, depending on when (or if) your EOI is drawn during the quarterly ballots in February, May, August, and November.
• Application Submission: You have a 4-month window to submit your full application after being invited.
• Processing Stage: Once your full application is received, average processing takes 10 to 11 months. Most cases (90%) are finalized within 13 to 19 months.
• Document Validity: Ensure your medical certificates are no older than 3 months and police certificates no older than 6 months at the time you submit your full application.